Ohio State Fair 2019: What to do, see, eat

There's nothing quite like the state fair, and this year, there's more to see and do than ever.
Here's your guide for what to do at the Ohio State Fair, which kicks off July 24 and runs through Aug. 4.
>>CONCERTS: Who is performing at the Ohio State Fair this year?

WHAT'S NEW
There are a couple of new attractions at the fair this year that you won't want to miss.

• FLIPPIN: The Aerial and Acrobatic Spectacular: Watch as a team of acrobats, aerialists and comedians bring you a show that is "wonderfully peculiar."

• The Human Cannonball Crusaders: Watch as human cannonball Brian Miser gets shot from a canon 40-feet high and 100 feet in distance. This former Ringling Bros. circus act is looking to bring some firepower to the fair.

Credit: Ohio State Fair

Credit: Ohio State Fair

FOR THE KIDS

There will be camel rides, a butterfly house, mural paintings, invention leagues, parades, pig races, petting zoos, pony rides and more. See all the attraction details on the Ohio State Fair website.

Credit: Contributed by the Ohio State Fair

RIDES

You can buy individual ride tickets for $1 each. All rides require two or more tickets. Special ride-all-day wristbands are available for $25 at the fair, or $20 in advance through July 23. There’s a 144-foot giant slide, Meijer Kiddieland for the little tikes, and over 60 rides from Ferris wheels to free-fall drops at Mountain Dew Midway.

Credit: Brien Vincent

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Stilt walkers, family bands, comedians, musicians, lumberjacks, magic shows and much more are in store this year. In addition to set shows, there will also be strolling entertainers you'll find on every corner. Check out all the entertainment here.

FAIR FOOD

From sausage sandwiches and deep fried buckeyes and Oreos, to international cuisines, the Ohio State Fair truly has a dish, meal or treat for everyone. Use the food finder tool on their website to track down whatever you may be craving.

Credit: DANIEL OWEN

SHOPPING
There are approximately 300 shopping vendors scheduled for this year's state fair. The fair website has an interactive map that allows you to search items and vendors so you can map out exactly where you want to stop and shop — you can even print the map out. At the fair, you'll find everything from kitchen wares, cleaning supplies, clothing, jewelry, antiques, collectibles, "as seen on TV" gadgets — and much, much more.

BUTTER SCULPTURES

If you’ve never witnessed this daring dairy creation, it’s a must. Every year a new butter sculpture is unveiled. The first butter creation was featured at the fair in 1903, and new sculptures are created each year, reflecting positive ideals and cultural trends in Ohio. Past sculptures include a tribute to The Ohio State University, Neil Armstrong and even Darth Vader.

>> A look back at last year’s butter sculptures honoring iconic film